What is an “Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report?”
Commonly called a “Clearance Letter,” “Termite Letter,” or “Inspection Report,” it is a report associated with the purchase and sale of real estate in Georgia. Following a comprehensive inspection, it is a written report covering 5 wood destroying organisms (Subterranean Termites, Powder Post Beetles, Wood Boring Beetles, Dry Wood Termites, and Wood Decaying Fungus). The Inspection Report also provides a 90 day warranty for infestation by any of these organisms. The scope of the inspection and the form of the Inspection Report are determined by the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission and can only be performed by a licensed pest control company.
Who should get an Inspection Report?
If you’re the Seller, you should consider getting an Inspection Report when you list your home for sale. An Inspection Report will help you sell your property by giving Buyers confidence and avoiding surprises late in the sale process. It will also tell buyers whether your home is under a termite guaranty and if it is transferrable to them. Plus, some real estate agents require an Inspection Report before listing property for sale. Be sure to check with your agent.
If you’re the Buyer, you should get an Inspection Report as part of your due diligence in deciding whether to purchase. The Inspection Report will tell you the status of the property with regard to the wood destroying organisms listed and will provide you with a 90 day warranty against infestation by any of those organisms. It will also tell you if the home is under a termite guaranty and if it is transferrable to you. An Inspection Report may be required by your lender.
Why Get an Inspection Report?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, termites cause over $1 billion worth of damage annually to homes in the United States. Subterranean termites, the most common kind, have been found in every state except Alaska. Georgia is among the states with the highest threat of subterranean termite infestation.
Is the Home Covered by a Termite Guaranty Already?
Many houses in Georgia are already under an annual service agreement and guaranty for subterranean termites with a pest control company like Alexander. Such a guaranty is separate from an Inspection Report and its associated 90 day warranty. An existing guaranty may be transferable to a new owner of the home. The Inspection Report will only show the existence of a guaranty and whether it is transferable if the Inspection Report is provided by the company that provides the guaranty.
If you are a Seller, your termite guaranty is a valuable asset in marketing your home – if you make potential Buyers aware of it.
If you are a Buyer, you should ask if the home is under guaranty and if that guaranty is transferable to you. No home in Georgia should be without termite protection.
Can Alexander Provide Your Wood Infestation Inspection Report?
Alexander provides real estate inspection letters “Georgia WDO Inspection” for its customers under a current termite service agreement (termite guarantee). Contact us at 770-448-9696. to request an inspection for real estate closing.